Xavier Vs. Butler Score Update: Musketeers Leading Bulldogs 39-23 At Halftime

Tu Holloway has carried the Xavier Musketeers through tense times to an undefeated 6-0 record.

At halftime at Hinkle Fieldhouse against the two-time reigning NCAA runners-up Butler Bulldogs, Holloway has yet to make a field goal. But the guard is still finding a way to fill the scoresheet, and the Musketeers are cruising to what looks like another likely win, leading Butler 39-23 at the break.

Holloway has scored 8 points -- all at the free throw line -- and has added 3 rebounds and 3 steals to pace Xavier.

Yet Xavier's patented stingy defense is the story of the first half, as a 17-0 run turned a 6-4 deficit into a 21-6 lead. Butler trailed by as many as 18 after Holloway made a pair of free throws to give Xavier a 30-12 lead, but the Bulldogs fought back a bit late in the first half and cut the deficit to 34-23, before Xavier extended their advantage again with a 5-0 run to end the half.

One stat comparison sums up Xavier's defensive dominance: Butler's starters have totaled as many turnovers (9) as points (9) at halftime.